Villanova v. MHC Baruch v. Bentley v. Northeastern v. Fordham?

College Search & Selection
1

<p>I plan to major in accounting or finance, but would like to keep my options open for other concentrations in business. As of now, my dream would be to work hard, but enjoy my undergrad years, graduate with a job, obtain a CPA license or MBA (or both eventually) shortly afterward, and be able to one day comfortably pursue my own entrepreneurial idea.</p>

<p>Due to an odd financial situation in the last year, I have not received any need-based financial aid to any school. In a nutshell, my family's situation on our last tax return looks significantly better on paper than it really is. If things stay the same, I will most likely receive more aid in the next few years, however. </p>

<p>The schools I have narrowed it down to are Villanova University, Macaulay Honors College at Baruch, Bentley University, Northeastern University, and Fordham University - all for their respective business programs. </p>

<p>Villanova is my number 1 right now because I see it as the best business school that I've been admitted to. I visited it in the summer and was blown away by its campus. The basketball team, perfect size, and itwo-hour driving distance from where I live (Queens NYC) are also added perks. However, it will run me around $54K as of now (after a $2K/year scholarship. Why the hell does that even exist.). I plan on calling the financial aid office to explain my situation, but it will probably still be the most expensive school on my list.</p>

<p>MHC Baruch would be free of tuition (only room and board), but I don't believe that I'd have a great college experience. I am impressed with the program and I do love Manhattan, but I don't know if I'd fit in well with the student body. </p>

<p>I hear great things about Bentley though it is the only school here I haven't visited yet. It would be about $33K with the scholarship I received. I did visit Northeastern and absolutely loved the campus being in Boston, but I'm not sure if the $38K after scholarship would be worth it. And I do like Fordham, but it would cost me $28K WITHOUT room and board when I could be paying nothing for MHC Baruch and live in the city. </p>

<p>I'm torn between these schools. I want to have a great college experience, but I don't know if the debt is worth it even if I took out student loans. Thankfully, I have college fund that would help tremendously, but will be mostly depleted after attending any of these schools (especially Villanova). Any opinions? Thanks.</p>

2

<p>Bumpppppppppppppppppp</p>

3

<p>Bump! Help me out here!</p>

4

<p>“Thankfully, I have college fund that would help tremendously, but will be mostly depleted after attending any of these schools (especially Villanova).”</p>

<p>How much, exactly is in that college fund? And what, exactly do you propose to use it on if not for your college education? </p>

<p>Depending on the size of that fund, the type of investment vehicle (eg. 529 or other), and the name it is recorded in (eg. you or your parents), it is entirely possible that it is the reason why you didn’t qualify for need-based aid.</p>

<p>Each of these institutions has a Net Price Calculator right on its website. Run your family’s numbers for this year, and projected numbers for next year. If there is solid evidence that you would get guaranteed need-based aid next year, there is nothing wrong with taking a gap year and applying again in the future.</p>

5

<p>The fund would pay for a little more than two years for Villanova. If I didn’t use (all of) it on undergrad, I would put it toward graduate school and/or Baruch dorming. Two years of college would be payed for, and then by my third year my family’s financial situation will be either the same/worse (qualifying me for aid) or better (making money less of an issue). I see it as a win-win in some ways, but the cost of MHC is very enticing.</p>

6

<p>Did you go to baruch’s welcome reception for MHC students? I think it was yesterday. After I went to Hunter’s a week or two ago I absolutely fell in love with the school, so I really hope you went. </p>

<p>Anyway, if I were in your position I’d probably choose Baruch. Assuming you have ~$100k in your college fund, you’d most likely be able to fly through undergrad and graduate school without any debt whatsoever, and might even finish up your schooling with money in your pocket. And if you’re worried about getting into grad school through baruch, don’t. MHC does extremely well with grad school placement.</p>

7

<p>Thank you Dramamine. I did go yesterday and was impressed with everything. My concern is not having much of a campus. Huge pros and cons.</p>

8

<p>Does Villanova guarantee to meet need? If not, how would you pay for future years there? If you really want to go to Villanova, you need to discuss the aid situation with the people there, and get a firm commitment from them to cover your costs once your college fund runs out. Don’t forget to talk with the other institutions that have offered you aid. Are the merit-based funds good for all four years? Do you have to maintain a specific GPA? If your need increases, will they factor that in, and increase the amount of grants in your package?</p>

<p>But, truth be told, if you have a warchest of about $100,000 and an iffy family financial situation, you probably are best off attending an institution that won’t cost you more than $25,000 or so each year plus what you could borrow with Stafford loans, and what you can make with summer and school year jobs. In other words, a bit more than $30,000. Baruch would definitely fall within this budget, Bentley might, Northeastern might if you can consistently land well paid co-ops, but it looks like Fordham is out.</p>

<p>Here is a useful tool for comparing aid packages: [FinAid</a> | Calculators | Award Letter Comparison Tool](<a href=“Your Guide for College Financial Aid - Finaid”>Award Letter Requirements - Finaid) I’d encourage you to run all of your figures through it, and then see what you think. If you were my kid, you’d be headed to MHC this fall.</p>

9

<p>Go to Baruch - there is not one other option that is worth the extra money.</p>

10

<p>Thanks to all who have answered. I’d be enrolled in Baruch right now if it weren’t for their lack of campus. It’s the only thing that is keeping me from choosing MHC right now.</p>